Former India captain Anjum Chopra has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame Class of 2026, earning one of the highest honours in world cricket. Recognised alongside Indian great Sourav Ganguly and former England batter Kevin Pietersen at a ceremony in Edinburgh, Chopra became the 13th Indian to receive the prestigious award.
Her induction celebrates a remarkable 17-year international career that helped shape the future of women’s cricket in India and inspired generations of young cricketers.
If you are wondering who is Anjum Chopra, here is a closer look at the career of one of India’s greatest women cricketers.
Who Is Anjum Chopra?
Anjum Chopra is a former Indian captain, left-handed batter, cricket commentator, and one of the pioneers of women’s cricket in the country.
She made her international debut against New Zealand in 1995 as a teenager and soon established herself as one of India’s most dependable top order batters. Known for her calm approach, elegant stroke play, and strong leadership skills, Chopra played during a period when women’s cricket received far less attention and support than it does today.
After retiring from international cricket, she became one of the most respected voices in cricket broadcasting while continuing to promote the growth of the women’s game.
Who Is the Indian Woman Cricketer Inducted Into the ICC Hall of Fame?
The answer is Anjum Chopra, whose contribution to Indian cricket goes far beyond her impressive statistics.
She became the first Indian woman to play 100 One Day Internationals, setting a new benchmark for longevity in women’s cricket.
Chopra also became the first Indian player to score 1,000 runs in Women’s ODIs, eventually finishing her international career with 3,645 runs across all formats.
Her achievements helped establish India as a competitive force in women’s cricket during the late 1990’s and 2000’s.
Career Highlights
Anjum Chopra’s career is filled with historic milestones that changed Indian women’s cricket.
She played a major role in India’s successful 2000 Women’s World Cup campaign, winning two Player of the Match awards, before helping the team reach its first-ever Women’s World Cup final in South Africa in 2005.
As captain, she guided India to its first overseas Women’s Test victory by defeating South Africa in 2002, another landmark achievement for the national team.
In 2016, Chopra became the first Indian woman cricketer to receive honorary life membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Lord’s, recognizing her outstanding contribution to the sport.
International Career Statistics
During her international career from 1995 to 2012, Anjum Chopra represented India in 157 matches.
- ODIs: 127 matches, 2,856 runs
- Tests: 12 matches, 548 runs
- T20Is: 18 matches, 241 runs
She finished with 3,645 international runs, including one century and 22 half-centuries.
Anjum Chopra Reacts to ICC Hall of Fame Honour
After receiving the honour, Chopra expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her journey.
She said growing up in a sporting family inspired her dream of playing for India from an early age. Chopra added that being recognised among cricket’s greatest players was an honour she shared with every coach, teammate, family member, and supporter who helped shape her career.
Her induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is not only a reward for her outstanding achievements but also a celebration of her lasting impact on women’s cricket in India. For many fans wondering who is Anjum Chopra, the answer is simple: she is one of the true pioneers who helped build the foundation for the success Indian women’s cricket enjoys today.
